Earlier this week, I commented on this cupcake thread that ‘Nothing tastes as good as making a promise to yourself and keeping it.‘ As I went through my ‘Healthy Living Week‘ with an accountability partner, that phrase rang with me as I turned down everything from my favorite cheeses to skipping the grand opening for a new cupcake shop in town (holding back sobs). The entire experience made me curious about how willpower and self-control are formed. If we didn’t have it to start with, can we learn it?
Thinking back over my childhood, I tried to identify areas where my willpower muscle had been strengthened growing up. My parents were excellent at helping me and my brother set goals and meet them. They were quick to show us how accountability in our own actions brought about positive results and they modeled good behavior for us. My brother and I got lucky. We had parents that understood that greater self-control is a predictor for success (article). What if you didn’t have that type of upbringing? Is it too late for you? No. It is never to late to learn a new skill or strengthen a dormant muscle. Here are some proactive ways you can work to strengthen your self-control and willpower:
1. Practice Internal Locus of Control – At Bramble Berry, we call this ‘ILC!’ It means that you believe you can change things. It means that you accept responsibility rather than blaming others. If you have ILC, you will say “I am going to have an apple instead of that delicious chocolate chip cookie because I have the choice and I choose to be healthy.” If you have a more External Locus of Control, you will say “It’s not my fault that I’m hungry for the cookie! It’s because my husband ate all the oatmeal this morning and I didn’t get a good breakfast and now I’m starving! I deserve to be happy!” Take a stand. Make a choice. Take responsibility. Look at what you can do to change the situation and empower yourself. Don’t ever wait for anyone to do things for you.
2. Thing Globally, not Locally – Think about the big picture, not just the now. Last night, my husband had a delicious bag of Smart Pop White Cheddar Popcorn. He snacked on it in bed while I drank my … water. My water was delicious (not!) and I could smell his popcorn. Thinking locally would have been “I have been so good all day; one handful of popcorn won’t hurt me! Plus, it’s only like 30 calories. 30 Calories is nothing and I’m hungry NOW!” Thinking globally is more like this “I’ve been good all day; why spoil it now? Plus, summer is almost here and I know I’m going to wear a bikini. I need to think long term and make the right decision.” This means that you think about the ‘why’ behind your goals, not just the method you are using to achieve them. Remember the greater picture. Remember the ‘why.’
3. Replace – Pinpoint the areas in your life where you are lacking self-control. For me, it’s cheese (even more than cupcakes) and organizing. Design a few concrete phrases you can easily say to yourself when you are being tempted: “I love having a clean and organized house.” “I am proud of myself for making positive choices around eating.” Use tools available to you like this app, “The Habit Factor” and get an accountability partner to help you on your path.
4. Declare – There is little in life more powerful than public shaming or public cheering. If you are going to practice your self-control and quit a habit (such as smoking) tell as many people as you can. Get them to support you. Think about them when you’re wavering in your strong decision and every time you see them and they say “How’s it going to today?” answer them as if your goal had already happened “Well, I am really loving being a non-smoker.” “I’m noticing that I can take a deep breath now that I’ve quit smoking.”
5. Celebrate – Celebrate your wins! The more wins and notches you have on your belt for your self-control battles, the more confident you will be in yourself and your ability to do anything. Savor the moment. Take a mental snapshot so you can think back about your success the next time you need a boost of will power.
I had one particularly difficult night last week when my entire family insisted on going to Olive Garden and ate all my hot button yummy foods (fettuccine alfredo, Olive Garden salad, lemon chiffon dessert). As I sat there eating my chicken breast with absolutely nothing on it (no salt, no pepper, no oil) and smelling the wafting bread sticks, it was a challenge but my Dad told me afterwards he was proud of me for setting a goal and sticking to it. That made the last 90 minutes all worthwhile (but, of course, he still thinks the liver cleanses are silly). I have a mental snapshot of my Dad saying how proud he was of me – I can hear him say it right now as I type this. Anytime I have a weak moment in the future, you know what I’m going to be replaying in my head – his positive reinforcement.
Test yourself on small tasks and strengthen your willpower to conquer bigger challenges. Before you know it, you’ll have built up your willpower and self-control muscles and be able to climb any mountain, succeed at any workout program and eat healthy for the rest of your life.
Tincanac says
I have been internet less forever. This was a good post to get me motivated and encouraged in my quest to quit my bad habits. thanks
Anne-Marie says
Aw, thanks for the positive feedback.
Anne-Marie says
Your friend in France is so funny – and it sounds like something I might be tempted to do myself! =)
TeresaR says
I missed this one when you first posted it, but am glad I found it and read it because it is totally sage advice! In fact, it’s another one of your wonderful posts that I’m going to share with my family. Thank you!!
Morgane says
Being french and living in Canada, i understand you and your cheese love story!
I miss the french cheeses! We had a ‘raclette’ in april, even though it’s a winter dish!! Hahaha
I even have a friend in France, once on a diet, hide cheese in her purse, so that her husband wouldn’t know she cheated!! Haha
Anne-Marie says
I totally agree – it’s hard to practices everything all the time and no one is perfect. But it’s definitely a good refresher. =)
Oksana says
These are great tips.
Even if we know them, we still don’t practice them in our daily lives.. So it’s always good to refresh them in our minds. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Anne-Marie says
I’m so glad! They’re just little tips that have helped me (but I have a long ways to go!). If you have any to share, I’d love to hear (read) them.
Anne-Marie says
Olive Garden was sooooo hard. I swear, each of my family members kept eating things I would have given my right arm for. =)
Carol says
I thought skipping the carrot cupcakes was hard–oh,my gosh–Olive Garden! I am so impressed with your willpower!!!
Beth says
Excellent, Ann-Marie! That was very encouraging for me, too.